Canadian Rockies Family Custom

Discover a family outdoor adventure

The majestic Canadian Rockies are unspoiled, undiscovered, and the perfect place for the bicycling vacation of a lifetime.

Bring the kids along for a family vacation packed with wilderness, fun, and cycling in the grand Canadian Rockies. We'll begin our family adventure in Banff National Park and enjoy a guided hike near Moraine Lake. If an afternoon rafting trip isn’t enough to get everyone excited, there’s always the stunning ride to the pristine waters of Banff’s Lake Minnewanka, keeping an ever watchful eye out for the bighorn sheep and elk that call this area home. Take in the views with the kids from the heights of the Lake Louise gondola, enjoy the lively town of Banff and kick back and relax together in remote mountain getaways.

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Daily Itinerary

Day

1

Today's Ride:

Banff to Baker Creek Chalets
Approximately 30 miles with 1,500 feet of climbing

Short Option:

Banff to Johnston CanyonApproximately 16 miles with 700 feet of climbing

Today's Activity:

Hike Johnston Canyon Lower or Upper Falls

Description:

YourTrekTravel guides will meet you at the Fox Hotel and Suites (461 BanffAve,Banff,Alberta,Canada) at 9:00 AM on the first day of the trip. After meeting your guides you’ll take a short private shuttle to the start of your adventure. After a short round of introductions, your guides will do thorough fittings on your high-endTrek bikes. Then it’s into the saddle on the scenicVermillion Lakes bike path toward the BowValley Parkway.At Johnston Canyon campground, stop to enjoy a gourmet picnic lunch featuring local specialties which will delight parents and children alike. Grab your camera for a hike along a path past sheer cliffs and rushing water to roaring waterfalls. Then, it’s back to the bikes to pedal through more natural beauty on a colossal scale! You’ll have many great backdrops for family photo ops along the way, like mighty Castle Mountain, the Canadian Pacific Railway (dating to 1881), and maybe even an elk or deer sighting.Your ride will bring you to the Baker Creek Chalets where you’ll have some time to settle in with the kids and explore the grounds before dinner. This evening, you’ll dine in the hotel restaurant and your guides will share the adventures planned for the days ahead!

Hotel:

Day

2

Today's Activity:

Hike Consolation Lake & Canoe Moraine Lake

Description:

Immerse yourself in the area’s abundant natural beauty with a visit to Moraine Lake and Lake Louise. After a shuttle to Moraine Lake, take a guided hike with one of our two local Master guides, Nadine and Joel, the area’s top-rated interpretive guides. These experts will lead you through the Valley of the Ten Peaks and introduce you to the flora, fauna, and mythology of these rugged mountains. Their detailed knowledge about the local grizzly population will astound you! After the hike, you can savor the beauty of the area from the water as you canoe the crystalline waters of Moraine Lake, and maybe scramble to the top of the “rock pile” to see the lake from a bird’s eye view. Then it’s off to the famous Lake Louise where you can check out the village and the views before traveling back to your hotel after a great day spent in the glory of nature.Tonight enjoy another tasty dinner prepared by the Baker Creek chef and in the evening, roast marshmallows over the campfire and relive today’s exciting adventures.

Hotel:

Day

3

Today's Activity:

Today's Ride:

Cathedral Mountain to Takakkaw Falls ReturnApproximately 16 miles with 1,300 feet of climbing

Short Option:

Cathedral Mountain to Takakkaw Falls Return with ShuttleApproximately 13 miles with 700 feet of climbing

Description:

Today starts with an exhilarating event—a gondola ride up to nearly 7,000 feet above sea level. Soaring high above the slopes, which are blanketed with wildflowers, your family will have great views and may even spot a grizzly! At the top, explore the trails with the kids and be sure to take advantage of the perfect scenic backdrop just begging for a family photo.A short shuttle follows the gondola ride, taking you into British Columbia andYoho National Park. Following the Canadian Pacific Railway, you will stop along the way to view the engineering marvel of the Spiral Tunnels. Once in the town of Field, enjoy lunch on your own at one of the tasty local cafes. Then hop on your bike or onto the shuttle for the ride to Takakkaw Falls, one of the highest waterfalls in Canada. Take a short walk to see the falls up close before riding down toward Emerald Lake Lodge for the night. If you wish, rent canoes and explore the waters of the lake. Enjoy a hearty Canadian dinner tonight with family and friends before resting up for more fun tomorrow.

Hotel:

Day

4

Today's Ride:

Lake Louise Village to Johnston Canyon
Approximately 21 miles with 500 feet of climbing

Short Option:

Baker Creek to Johnston CanyonApproximately 13 miles with 350 feet of climbing

Avid Option:

Lake Louise Village to BanffApproximately 41 miles with 750 feet of climbing

Description:

Today is packed with loads of activities for kids of all ages. After a hearty breakfast, hop in the van for a shuttle to the BowValley Parkway,stopping to enjoy the views at the Natural Bridge along the way. Just outside Lake LouiseVillage you will start your riding day toward Banff with a pit stop at Johnston Canyon to see more roaring waterfalls. Remember to keep a lookout for wildlife, frequently sighted along the parkway. Take today at your pace, with full Trek Travel support ready with refreshments and the shuttle if you want a break. Lunch is your choice today at either Johnston Canyon or you may decide to wait until you arrive in Banff. After settling in at the lodge, the rest of the afternoon and evening is yours to enjoy on your own. Stroll down Main Street in search of a tasty chocolate ‘bear claw’ or maybe visit the enormous Victorian Banff Springs Hotel, said to be haunted by at least two ghosts.Alternatively,take another gondola ride up Sulphur Mountain to more breathtaking views and explore one of the many local hiking trails. Tonight, the guides have a fun night planned with the kids and parents can enjoy a quiet dinner on their own.

Hotel:

Day

5

Today's Activity:

Today's Ride:

Banff to Lake Minnewanka LoopApproximately 18 miles with 900 feet of climbing

Short Option:

Banff to Lake Minnewanka with Shuttle ReturnApproximately 8 miles with 450 feet of climbing

Description:

Dive into today with a breathtaking whitewater rafting adventure down the Horseshoe Canyon section of the Bow River! Bounce and splash your way downriver and maybe try cliff jumping during the flatwater section mid-trip. Back at the hotel indulge in a well-earned delicious picnic lunch and prepare yourself to ride the locals’ loop. This afternoon you’ll pedal past herds of bighorn sheep grazing lazily in the park to the brilliant blue waters of Lake Minnewanka, Banff National Park’s largest body of water. On the way back, stop at Cascade Ponds if you feel like taking another dip before heading back to the hotel at the top of Tunnel Mountain, passing totem pole-shaped hoodoos and lofty Mount Rundle on the way. Tonight you’ll gather for one last dinner with your guides and newfound friends to celebrate the amazing Rockies and the great memories you’ve made on your family vacation of a lifetime.

Hotel:

Day

6

Today's Activity

Farewell

Description:

Enjoy one final family breakfast with the majestic Canadian Rockies as your backdrop. Throw the frisbee around on the lawn or enjoy one last adventure with a short walk upTunnel Mountain. The mountain is named after a blundered tunnel proposal in the late 1800s when the railroad was constructed in the area— the mountain has no tunnel but affords spectacular panoramic views of the town of Banff, the Bow River Valley and encircling mountain ranges. After taking some final pictures of the magnificent natural landscape you can return to the hotel to finish packing before checkout. You’ll head home with a suitcase full of special family memories you’ll be talking and laughing about for years to come! You’ll say farewell to your guides at 9:30 AM at the Buffalo Mountain Lodge. The Banff Airporter has scheduled pick up times of 9:30 AM and 11:30 AM at the Buffalo Mountain Lodge for transfers to the Calgary International Airport. Please see their online schedule and make your reservations in advance. Please be ready 10 minutes before the scheduled pickup time. Alternatively,you may take a taxi to any other Banff location for $5-10.

Dates & Pricing

CONTACT US FOR MORE INFORMATION ON HOW TO BOOK THIS CUSTOM VACATION.

Hotels

Baker Creek, Alberta, Canada

Located in Banff National Park on the banks of Baker Creek, the Baker Creek Chalets offer a truly authentic mountain experience. Nestled in the pine trees, you'll enjoy the mountain views, sounds of the rushing creek, and a warm fire blazing in your cozy, rustic cabin or suite. Enjoy some true family time and let nature be your inspiration, as there is little cell phone coverage and no television to disturb your serenity. Enjoy Chef Nigel's acclaimed locally sourced and inspired cuisine, which locals claim is simply the best in the valley!

Field, British Columbia, Canada

Emerald Lake Lodge is situated on a 13-acre peninsula within the boundaries of Yoho National Park. Your room will feature a private balcony and wood-burning fieldstone fireplace, which is restocked daily with fresh firewood. Rooms are designed to reflect the rustic feeling of the main lodge, which is crafted of hand-hewn timber and features massive stone fireplaces. The on-site lounge also features an oak bar salvaged from an 1890′s-era Yukon saloon. The dining room at the Lodge was recently named one of the 101 Best Hotel Restaurants Around the World by The Daily Meal.

Banff, Alberta, Canada

Located just above the Banff township near Tunnel Mountain, Buffalo Mountain Lodge features rooms that are luxurious and spacious, and most have balconies, fireplaces, and mountain views. The hotel houses an excellent restaurant and one of the Canadian Rockies’ most comfortable outdoor hot-tubs.

What's Included

We Include More

Every moment of a Trek Travel bike trip has more than you could have ever dreamed. More romance. More scenery. More choice. It's the little additions to every Trek Travel cycling vacation that make it truly special. And that’s how we help you create more memories. See more

In every region we travel, we uncover the area’s best, and most delightful accommodations. On our Canadian Rockies trip, you will stay in accommodations that are full of charm and fascinating history.These chalet- style hotels feature rustic decor with modern amenities. Rooms or cabins vary in size and offer great views, as well as wood-burning fireplaces.

On our Canadian Rockies trip, expect to enjoy wonderful, Canadian Rocky Mountain-style cuisine. Menus feature fresh salmon and world-famous Alberta beef. All dinners and breakfasts are served in the hotel restaurants and we ensure younger guests will have a range of familiar options.You’ll also enjoy several gourmet picnic lunches prepared by your guides featuring a range of hand-picked local specialties!

Thank your Guides, by tipping

Gratuities for your Trek Travel guides are not included in your trip price. Industry standard is 5-­10% of the trip price which will be divided by your guide team. Please tip your guides at your discretion, based on their level of professionalism, guest care and service.

Airfare and transportation to and from the trip pick-up/drop-off locations

Lodging before and after the trip

Personal items purchased during the trip

Optional activities not scheduled by Trek Travel

On select trips some meals are not included. On these trips, Trek Travel invites you to explore the local cuisine at your leisure.

Gratuities for your Trek Travel Guides may be given at your discretion in response to their professionalism and leadership.Industry standard is for each individual guest to tip the guide team 5-10% of the trip price.

FAQs

Trip Changes

Our itineraries are an approximation of our trips. Trek Travel strives to offer each and every guest a vacation of a lifetime on every trip. At times routes, hotels, activities, etc. listed here may change at the discretion of the trip designer or guides to improve the trip experience.

On all of our vacations, Trek Travel strives to find quiet, paved secondary roads or bike paths to experience a region; busy roads are avoided as much as possible. Canadian Rockies Family is best suited for our Type 2 Riders. Those who wish to ride every mile but are concerned about their physical ability may want to try our electric bike option–you still get a workout but can climb alongside even the strongest rider. Type 3 Riders will enjoy the extra mileage the avid route options offer. The terrain is a combination of "false flat" riding and moderate hills. There are a few lengthier climbs that you can choose to either ride on your bike or in the van. Much of the riding is on lightly used secondary roads or bike paths and the short options are selected as the most suitable sections for kids to ride.

On most Trek Travel trips, we offer non-riding options for riders who want to take the afternoon off, or travel companions who want to spend little or no time in the saddle. Some of these options may need to be scheduled before your trip–please contact one of our Trip Consultants for more information. Expenses and/or related transportation to these activities may not be included in the trip price. See Included In The Trip Price for more information. Some non-riding options on this trip are:

The weather in the mountains is quite variable, with temperatures ranging from the low 40s at night to the mid-70s during the day in the months of July and August. It is possible to experience dramatic temperature and climactic changes in a matter of moments. Both snow and rain are always a possibility. With this in mind please pack for all seasons.

For an additional fee you may request to upgrade to the brand new Trek Emonda SLR with Shimano Di2 Electronic shifting or Bontrager Aeolus carbon wheels for the ultimate riding experience. Contact our trip consultants for more details.

We understand things happen in life and sometimes you have to cancel or change your bike tour. We want to make it as easy as possible to do so and below you will find our timeline. If you ever have a question, just give us a call, 866 464 8735. Read our cancellation policy.

Didn't find what you were looking for? Check out our General FAQs section. You will find answers to all the most common questions that don't necessarily pertain to a specific trip.

Travel Services

How to get there

We suggest that you arrive at least one day prior to the trip start, which will enable you to adjust to the time zone and minimize the risk of missing the trip start due to flight-related delays. We recommend that you fly into Calgary, Alberta, Canada. From the Calgary International Airport (YYC), you may take the Banff Airporter shuttle to the town of Banff and enjoy an evening in the mountains prior to your trip start the following morning.Trek Travel guests enjoy a 15% discount if they book with the Banff Airporter.To enjoy this added value, you’ll receive a special booking code in your confirmation letter after you’ve booked your vacation. If you prefer staying in Calgary the night before your trip, you can take a taxi from Calgary to Banff (80 miles) for approximately $215. Please reserve your taxi in advance (Taxi Taxi: 403 762 0000).

Your Trek Travel guides will meet you at the Fox Hotel and Suites (461 Banff Ave, Banff, Alberta, Canada) at 9:00 AM on the first day of the trip. From the Fox Hotel and Suites, you will transfer to our staging location in Banff. After a quick snack, thorough bike fitting, safety talk and introductions, your adventure begins!

If you will be late for the pick-up or are going to miss it altogether, please inform your guides. You will receive an email a week before the trip start with their names and contact details. If you cannot reach them, please call our first hotel, Baker Creek Chalets (403 522 3761), and leave a message with your expected arrival time and contact details.Your guides can advise you whether to take a taxi to the staging area or Baker Creek Chalets.

You will say farewell to your guides at 9:30 AM at the Buffalo Mountain Lodge.The Banff Airporter has scheduled pick up times of 9:30 AM and 11:30 AM at the Buffalo Mountain Lodge for transfers to the Calgary International Airport. Please see their online schedule and make your reservations in advance. Please be ready 10 minutes before the scheduled pickup time. Alternatively, you may take a taxi to any other Banff location for $5-10.

Before: Banff, Canada

Enjoy one evening taking in the beauty of the Rocky Mountains prior to your trip start. Best to enjoy a night of relaxation, as tomorrow you have a full day ahead of you.We recommend the following accommodations for your pre-trip hotel:

Fox Hotel and Suites

The Fox Hotel and Suites offers a unique accommodation style in the Banff area.This classic hotel features Rundle rock stonework and mountain spring hot pools inspired by Banff’s original Cave & Basin site. Located a quick 5-minute walk from downtown Banff, the Fox Hotel & Suites offers great access to all the refinements Banff has to offer.

461 Banff Ave. | 800 661 8310 | www.BestofBanff.com | ~$260

Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel

For more than a century, ‘The Castle in the Rockies’ has provided a unique blend of luxurious comfort, individualized service, and timeless beauty for the most discerning traveler. Styled after a Scottish Baronial Castle, the Fairmont Banff Springs is located in the heart of Banff National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its beauty and level of luxury are unparalleled.

405 Spray Ave | 800 441 1414 | www.Fairmont.com | ~$550

Banff Inn

Banff Inn is a modern-style inn located on Banff Ave. Just steps from the center of the action, the Banff Inn provides a great location from which to base your adventures.The Inn also features wireless internet, a whirlpool, steam room, and sauna.

501 Banff Ave. | 800 667 1464 | www.BanffInn.com | ~$220

After: Calgary, Canada

Calgary is one of Canada’s most vibrant cities and is very proud of its western heritage. Fine dining, shopping, museums, and a world-class zoo can all be found here, as well as the bobsled track built for the 1988 Winter Olympics, found in the Canada Olympic Park! We recommend the following accommodations for your post-trip hotel:

Hotel Le Germain Calgary

Considered the top choice for a downtown stay, this luxury boutique hotel boasts a long list of amenities including a highly acclaimed restaurant, high-quality linens, complimentary wireless internet, walk-in closets and a full fitness center.They even welcome well-behaved dogs!

899 Centre St. | 877 362 8990 | www.GermainCalgary.com | ~$275

Fairmont Palliser

The original landmark hotel in downtown Calgary, built in 1914 by the Canadian Pacific Railway in the era when luxury was an art, this property continues to hold up a tradition of high-end service and amenities. It is ideally situated to discover Calgary’s cultural attractions. It also has full spa and fitness facilities to further your enjoyment.

133 9th Avenue SW | 866 540 4477 | www.fairmont.com | ~$200

Delta Calgary International Airport

Located across from the Calgary International Airport, this hotel offers easy access on a day filled with travel. Relax in your room or enjoy some time in the pool before heading to bed.

2001 Airport Road N.E. | 403 291 2600 | www. DeltaHotels.com | ~$180

* Hotels listed above are local properties we love. We do not have special rates available.

Experience It

Canadian Rockies Luxury Family

Canadian Rockies Luxury Family

Canadian Rockies Luxury Family

Canadian Rockies Luxury Family

"Our full Le Tour De France trip itineraries will be available in mid November. These trips sell out year after year, so be sure to reserve your space. See samples from last year's tour on our site, and sign up today."

Family Trips by Trek Travel

A Trek Travel Family bike vacation is the ultimate kid-friendly adventure. Every aspect of our family trips is built around activities for kids in destinations that offer a variety of outdoor or educational opportunities. As always, each day is yours to decide. Kids between 13-17 years old receive a 10% discount and ages 7-12 receive a 20% discount off the regular price of the trip for all non-private or custom family trips. Learn more >

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Testimonials

We are not tour people

and usually enjoy making our own way with a map and a good guide book. This trip was one of the most relaxing vacations I have ever had – great exercise, great food, great accommodations, great company and we were completely pampered.

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Trek Travel Difference

Our Bikes

Our unrivaled selection of Trek Bikes sets the bar for quality and comfort. From the full-carbon, ultra smooth Trek Domane 5.9, to the comfortable Trek 7.6 FX Hybrid–both included in the trip cost, to our numerous upgrade options, you deserve the best ride on your vacation.

Our Guides

Our guides are trained to make your trip magical. They aren't just experts in riding; they're trained in delivering uncompromising service in ways you won't believe. We know that it's the unexpected surprises that make a trip magical. That's why our guides pride themselves on anticipating your needs before you ask.

Your Day. You Decide.

Our vacations are built to deliver the ultimate in flexibility, from extreme relaxers to hard-core roadies. You pick your mileage, itinerary and experiences. We take care of the rest.